4 Years

What Most Children Do by This Age

Social and Emotional

Pretends to be something else during play (teacher, superhero, dog)
Asks to go play with children if there are none around, like “Can I play with Alex?”
Comforts others who are hurt or sad, like hugging a crying friend
Avoids danger, like not jumping from tall heights at the playground
Likes to be a “helper”
Changes behavior based on where she is (place of worship, library, playground)

Cognitive (Learning, Thinking, Problem Solving)

Names a few colors of items
Draws a person with three or more body parts

Language and Communication

Says sentences with four or more words
Says some words from a song, story, or nursery rhyme
Talks about at least one thing that happened during his day, like “I played soccer.”
Answers simple questions like “What is a coat for?” or “What is a crayon for?”

Movement and Physical Development

Catches a large ball most of the time
Serves himself food or pours water, with adult supervision
Unbuttons some buttons
Holds crayon or pencil between fingers and thumb (not a fist)

Tips and Activities: What You Can Do for Your 4 year old

As your child’s first teacher, you can help his or her learning and brain development. Try these simple tips and activities in a safe way. Talk with your child’s doctor and teachers if you have questions or for more ideas on how to help your child’s development.

Help your child be ready for new places and meeting new people. For example, you can read stories or role play (pretend play) to help him be comfortable.
Read with your child. Ask him what’s happening in the story and what he thinks might happen next.
Help your child learn about colors, shapes, and sizes. For example, ask the color, shapes, and size of things she sees during the day.